Bill Maher highlighted an important moment in television history during an interview with Star Trek icon William Shatner in Friday’s episode of Real time.
Shatner, known for playing Captain James T. Kirk in the popular franchise, kissed black actress Nichelle Nichols (Lt. Uhura) in a 1968 episode titled “Plato’s Stepchildren.”
Although it might not seem like a big deal to most, it was a “major moment in American culture,” according to Maher, who noted that it was the first scripted kiss between a white man and a woman. black woman.
At the time, Southern television stations were canceling shows that attempted to promote interracial relationships, and NBC was worried about public backlash. Maher, however, praised Shatner for being “courageous” and insisting on doing it.
A modest Shatner, who initially made light of the moment with a kiss on the face, admitted he had something to do with it. “If you hadn’t insisted,” Maher said…, “It wouldn’t have gotten done,” Shatner admitted.
Maher and the audience responded with applause. “For those who say nothing has changed, watch it, because things have changed a lot,” the HBO host concluded.
During the interview, the two also talked about how Shatner fell from grace and ended up living in his truck after the first race. Star Trek was canceled after three seasons.
“How did you fall so quickly?” » asked Maher. “With great precision,” the now 93-year-old joked, adding that it was simply “circumstances of life,” including a divorce and a lull in work.
These days, Shatner is the subject of the new documentary, You can call me Billand the release of a digital album with the National Symphony Orchestra titled So fragile, so blue.
He is also planning a trip to Antarctica to highlight his efforts in combating climate change, which he says contains “an element of hope” since “science and scientists are doing so much to correct global warming.” .
“A wave is coming,” Shatner insisted, referring to ongoing technological developments.
New York Post
